The 2013 NBA season has yet to even tipoff yet and already reporters are starting to hound Miami Heat star LeBron James about what he will do if he becomes a free agent in 2014 and some of the top names like Carmelo Anthony, Andrew Bogut, DeMarcus Cousins, Pau Gasol and Paul George could be nice fits for the Chicago Bulls.
Depending on what happens with Luol Deng and how this season goes with Rose's return from serious surgery, the Bulls could decide to be big spenders, especially if Deng ends up becoming a free agent if he doesn't work out an extension with the franchise. The Bulls might not be willing to go crazy money-wise for someone like James or Anthony, but players like Andrew Bogut, Paul George, DeMarcus Cousins, Pau Gasol and others all could be solid options to join up in the summer.
Deng has been mentioned several times in trade rumors this past summer and if he doesn't work out a deal with the Bulls, he could get traded and if he walks, they could try and use that money elsewhere. James obviously will be the best player on the market if he hits free agency and even though some see that as a forgone conclusion, he could decide to just stay in Miami and never give another team a chance. James likely will get attention from the Lakers and the Knicks if he is a free agent and surely they will try to persuade him with the idea of championships and joining other stars.
James has said that he has not thought about what he will do in free agency and while the Heat feel comfortable that they will keep him, the Cavaliers know what it's like to be in that situation. Another interesting option could be Anthony, although it's hard to see him leaving NY for another Eastern conference team, with the Lakers being a more likely option. Anthony is one of the best scorers in the league and after he won the scoring title last season, he could be poised for a jump to another team and the Bulls could be one of those options.
Dirk Nowitzki is as Dallas as they come after spending his entire career with the Mavericks and bringing the franchise a championship, but if the team struggles again, there is a chance he could move on in free agency and the Bulls could be a solid options for him, since they will be contenders as long as they have Rose. Dirk is a prime scoring option in the league and one of the best shooters from mid-range and he could be a nice compliment working with Rose.
Kobe Bryant will also be a free agent, but no one aspects him to leave the Lakers, but Pau Gasol might be a different story as he gets older. Bryant loves playing with Gasol, but if the team wants to get younger that is one place to start and even though he is getting into his mid-30's, he can still be a very productive player in this league and he could be an option for the Bulls to go after down low, especially if they get of Carlos Boozer.
